Gold-spotted
mudskipperPeriophthalmus chrysospilosFamily Gobiidaeupdated
Nov 13Where
seen?
This delightful fish with golden spots is commonly seen on many of
our shores. It tends to move around in groups following the water
line, often in amusing 'herds', nervously moving just out of your
reach. Sometimes they move in a line, following what seems to be the
leader. On all kinds of shores including rocky shores, sandy areas
near mangroves and seagrasses, as well as on coral rubble areas near
reefs.

Features: 6-12cm. Gaily speckled
with orange spots on 'cheeks' and the underside of the body. The male
raises his bright orange-and-black dorsal fin to court females and
intimidate rival males. Unlike females, males have elongated spikes
on the first and second spine of his colourful first dorsal fin.

The mudskipper digs a burrow on soft mud flats, spitting out balls
of mud as it digs out the hole. One mudskipper was seen to spit out
mud missiles at an intruder! Here's video
clips of this mud-slinging.